Project Title

Collaborative Research: IceCube Upgrade: An IceCube extension for precision neutrino physics and astrophysics

Summary

Event Number:
A-334-M/S
NSF / OPP Award 2227092

Program Director:
Dr. Vladimir Papitashvili

ASC POC/Implementer:
Paul Sullivan / Sheryl Seagraves / Leah Street

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Albrecht Karle
karle@icecube.wisc.edu
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department of Physics

Project Web Site:
https://icecube.wisc.edu

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station, South Pole Station
Research Locations: McMurdo Station; South Pole Station

Description

The IceCube Upgrade will deploy seven additional strings of optical sensors in the bottom center of the current IceCube Neutrino Observatory. The new strings will use multi-Photo Multiplier Tube (PMT) Digital Optical Modules (mDOMs) which provide better direction and more than double the photocathode area per module than traditional IceCube DOMs. The Enhanced Hot Water Drill (EHWD) used previously will be upgraded and optimized for the needs of the proposed one-season drill campaign. Originally this was a 5-year project; year one started in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. In FY 2020, the existing EHWD systems were tested, and the drill’s refurbishment has begun. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ice-work was significantly delayed. The Upgrade project is now re-baselined and field work started in FY 2024 (Field Season, FS1) with drilling scheduled in FY 2026 (FS4). The project will utilize an Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) project coordinator to facilitate cargo movement from McMurdo Station to South Pole Station via the South Pole Traverse (SPoT) and LC-130s as fits into the overall logistics schedule.

Field Season Overview

On-Ice activities for the FY24 season at the South Pole include: (1) Continuation of the upgrades and repairs to EHWD subsystems (2) Cargo movements including generator 2, a refit component shipping container, surface junction boxes and DNF/non-DNF crates; (3) Begin to set-up EHWD in drill configuration to fully inventory hoses, cables, interconnects, and evaluate system as a whole at the Seasonal Equipment Site (SES) location; (4) Install installation kits for new Allen Bradley motor drives for drill control system; (5) Refit/repair of Main Heating Plants (MHP), Pre-Heat System (PHS), HPP, Water Tanks 1 & 2, & High Pressure Unit (HPU); (6) Update and repair tower operations site infrastructure (TOS 1, TOS 2, Tower 1 & Tower 2) ; (7) Repair and upgrade winches and reels; (8) Begin modification and repair of Antarctic Rodwell Apparatus system; (9) Commission and test firn drill; (10) Set-up and pre-commission power generation system; (11) Assemble DOM Handling Facility; and (12) Evaluate ICL east tower cable entrance (subsurface), modify cable entrance plate, and develop installation plan (pulling and strain relief) in coordination with ASC facilities engineer.

Deploying Team Members